In partnership with RENDR Festival and supported by the National Talent Academy for VFX, we are delighted to present this very special speaker series.
Recorded live at RENDR 2026 in Banana Block, Belfast, we caught up with Oscar-shortlisted animator and acclaimed storyboard artist Giovanna Ferrari about her latest short film Éiru.
With a career spanning major European productions and some of Ireland’s most celebrated animated features, Ferrari reflects on her creative journey, the rewards and challenges of storyboarding, and the evolving language of animation. From her early work in France to her current role at Cartoon Saloon, she discusses the collaborative process behind award-winning films, as well as the personal inspiration driving her own directorial work.
This series of talks was recorded in The Spinners Mill Studio, a podcast and DJ studio based in Banana Block offering tailored solutions for DJ sessions, small-scale events and podcasting from concept to final distribution.
About Giovanna Ferrari
Since the early 2000s, Giovanna has worked on several feature films across Europe both as Storyboard Artist and Animator. After working in France for 10 years, she moved to Ireland and worked with Cartoon Saloon on a number of projects, including Song of The Sea, The Breadwinner and Wolfwalkers. Recently she was Head of Story and Animation Director of Cartoon Saloon’s new feature film My Father’s Dragon produced by Netflix and directed by Nora Twomey. Giovanna’s storyboarding on The Breadwinner was awarded with an Emile Award in 2018. ÉIRU, a short film written and directed by Giovanna, and produced by Cartoon Saloon was one of 15 Animated Short Films shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards® and has screened at festivals all across the globe.
Éiru is the smallest child of a mighty and powerful clan of Iron age Irish warriors. When the village well mysteriously dries up, she can finally prove herself worthy of her clan's name by descending into the belly of the earth and facing whoever or whatever has stolen their water.
RENDR Festival
This is a unique event celebrating creative craft and artistry in a fully immersive two-day festival exploring the space between Creativity and Technology. Ignite your imagination with inspiring speakers from the worlds of Film, Gaming, Animation, Immersive, and more! Learn from the best, with 30+ creatives from the likes of Netflix, Pixar, Walt Disney Studios and Epic Games among others.
Witness creative uses of new technology, explore the gallery of digital art, chow down at the food village or play in the arcade. You will be transported to the future, and provide you with unforgettable and inspirational nights. Like nothing you have experienced before, our unique combination is guaranteed to provide two nights you can’t miss. Come for the talks, stay for the experience!
National Talent Academy for Visual Effects
As the newest of the Academies, the National Talent Academy for VFX provides support and opportunities for anyone interested in a career in VFX. Launched in 2024, the National Talent Academy for VFX is an initiative of Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet. Their mission is to transform aspiring VFX artists into industry-ready professionals while providing ongoing upskilling opportunities for current talent.
Through comprehensive courses and programmess, we introduce participants to best practices both locally and globally, creating clear pathways and solidifying Ireland’s reputation as a premier destination for VFX. The National Talent Academy for VFX is dedicated to attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, fostering greater awareness of VFX as a viable and exciting career choice. Learn more about the work they do here
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